Schools Guide 2015

Bedford School

Clever Bedford have nabbed a good 'un as their new head. James Hodgson was usher (deputy) at Magdalen College School. He's also a cricket blue, not that his new school needs help in that department — Bedford are Lord's Taverners Midlands champions. The campus is an oasis away from the quite ugly town, which does have a nice stretch of river for the speedy rowers. Mr Hodgson takes on the building of the new 300-seat theatre — due to open next spring — and the refurbishment of the science block Boys already win medals at the RCSU Science and Cambridge Chemistry Challenges, and one boy is representing the UK at the International Biology Olympiad. Most pupils leave to study maths, science or medicine at uni, after cruising A-levels (81.5 per cent
at A*—B) or IB (an average score of 35 last year). It is the only all-boys boarding option in this part of the world, although we are told: 'It's less of a single-sex school than it might be' — the boys team up with Bedford Girls' for socials, choir and drama productions. And we really should be referring to these boys as men; they raised £9,500 for Movember last year.

LocationDe Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU

Head

James Hodgson, MA, since September, previously usher at Magdalen College School

Pupils

1,088 boys: 817 day, 271 boarding

Faith

C of E

Ages

7-18

Day fees

£5,708

Boarding fees max

£9,654

Oxbridge

5%

Registration

By December of year before entry; £100 fee

Admission

School's own exam; interview and good performance at GCSE for sixth form